The Trouble with Cupcakes

by Kristi Ahlers

  She left the table with Alec sputtering in the background. She all but raced from the restaurant. What had started out to be one of the best days of her life turned out to be one of the worst.

  CHAPTER 7

  “You did what?” Ashley sat in dumbfounded disbelief.

  “What?” Heather practically wailed as she took a gulp of red wine. “What was I supposed to do?”

  “Uh, after mind blowing sex with the only guy you’ve ever dreamed of having, and being awarded the cupcake commission, you’ve decided to turn both down and do what exactly?”

  “Hell if I know.” Heather took another big gulp of her wine and choked a little when it wine when down wrong.

  “Yeah, that’s what I figured.”

  Heather dropped her head down on her arms resting on the butcher block in her kitchen and resisted the urge to give into the tears that threatened to erupt at any minute. On her walk to the bistro, it had seemed like a good idea. She didn’t need to be a rebound anything, and although the cupcake commission would have been lucrative, she had other ways of making sure her little cupcakery stayed in business. She had already thought about trying to get onto the dessert menus of several hotel chains, and her walk-in business was doing well, so she didn’t need to host the Krewe party.

  But this didn’t do anything for her heartbreak. Alec was the guy she’d dreamed of for years and being in his arms, and when she had been, it had been beyond anything she’d ever dreamed of and more. Even if she didn’t orgasm with him,they’d made love and it had been perfect.

  And so it made total sense that she was sitting in her kitchen, getting loaded on red wine and crying about her stupidity.

  Ashley patted her on the shoulder and refilled her wine glass. “We’ll figure this out, I seriously doubt he slept with you to get back at Lila. She’s a grade A bitch and you know this.”

  “Yeah.” Defeated, Heather realized that she’d made a stupid mistake and there was no way to buy it back. She’d walked away from something she really wanted. And look how well that was turning out.

  “Okay, here’s what you’re going to do.”

  Heather turned and listened to her wise friend and for the first time since she made her stupid decision, she felt a glimmer of hope that maybe she hadn’t jacked things up beyond repair.

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  Alec had no idea what he was going to do to fix things with Heather but he wasn’t going to let her get away from him a second time. He had a feeling Lila was the reason behind Heather’s about face. He needed to make sure the vile witch realized they were through for good.

  He’d called and asked Lila to meet him at his office. It was neutral territory and they were going to clear the air and then Alec was going to find Heather and fix what was wrong. He had a plan. Things were always better with a plan. Almost a week had passed and tonight was the Krewe party. Heather hadn’t returned any of his calls and he was a bit worried that she would not listen to him later, but he had to try fixing things.

  Lila stepped into his office, a huge smile on her face. “Alec, darling.” She walked arms outstretched. “I’m so so sorry things went so pear-shaped with us.”

  Alec stared at the beautiful, icy woman before him, stunned that one time he thought things could work between them. Was it any wonder he’d never been happy with her?

  “Lila.” He evaded her embrace and put his hands in his pockets. “Please, have a seat.”

  “What’s wrong, Alec. I know we argue a lot but I know that we can make things right. I’ll even forgive you for your little faux pas with . . . her.”

  “Excuse me?” He couldn’t believe her unbelievable gall.

  “You know, your little dalliance with the baker.”

  “Her name is Heather and it was far from a dalliance. We’re over, Lila, get used to it. I called you here to tell you to leave Heather alone and to never bother her again.”

  “Alec,” she laughed, “you can’t seriously think she’s right for you. She’d embarrass you the moment she stepped through the country club doors.”

  “I don’t think so. We’re done, Lila.”

  He watched with satisfaction as Lila stormed out of his office and the huge weight he’d been carrying around since they started dating six months earlier suddenly seemed to vanish. Tonight was the night he’d win back Heather and nothing was standing in the way of that. He felt a smile curved his mouth at the thought that he couldn’t wait for later when they had make-up sex.

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  Heather tugged on the corset that seemed to be strangling her insides. How women wore these back in the day she had no idea. She’d no longer complain about having to wear a bra from this day forward. On top of that, she was a nervous wreck. She’d been bold and baked her cupcakes and brought them to the party. No one questioned why she was there with two large pink boxes and she sashayed into the party and set things up. She was nervous about seeing Alec. She had ignored his calls for the past week, afraid of what he’d say and how she’d react, which was so high school she couldn’t stand it. So here she was, crashing a party she wasn’t sure she was even welcome at, dressed like every man’s Victorian dream—skimpy dress and stilettos—something very appropriate for a Fat Tuesday celebration. She knew she looked good but at the same time she was concerned about what Alec would think.

  She looked around the large ballroom at all the party goers and wished for not the hundredth time that she knew where Alec was. Her nerves were shot waiting for him. She’d missed him which was ridiculous when she consider she’d only had one night with him. But that night had been magical and she refused to settle for anything less.

  The music switched from dance tunes to something slower and Heather watched as couples paired up one by one. She felt lost and alone and decided that maybe she should just go home and eat a half gallon of fudge ripple. Then she’d call him in the morning and plead insanity for the way she’d acted earlier and hopefully they could fix what she’d spectacularly destroyed by her stupidity.

  She took one last look around the ballroom before heading out into the hallway and down to the coat check room where she’d left her purse. She couldn’t wait to get of her outfit. Being sexy was a true pain in the butt; she couldn’t wait to put on her tank top and boxer shorts and say farewell to the corset and three inch heels.

  “Where do you think you’re going?”

  Heather turned around and found Lila standing there with a small tray of cupcakes.

  “Ah, hello, Lila. Are you enjoying the party?”

  Lila moved a little closer and Heather felt the need to back away from the woman. Something in her glare told Heather to use caution.

  “Did you really think you were going to slut your way into this contract, stealing it away from me without any repercussions?”

  Stunned, Heather remained rooted in place. “Excuse me?”

  “That’s right. Ask for my forgiveness, you little bitch.” Lila stepped closer. “I know you slept with him and I know you coerced him to give you the contract. You must be really, really good at, well, never mind. You’ve had your cake and eaten it too, and now it’s time for a little payback. You crossed the wrong woman. I hope it was worth it.”

  Lila picked up a cupcake and threw it directly at Heather, hitting her square in the chest. Surprised by the attack, Heather stood dazed when another sugary cupcake hit her in the neck. She barely had the chance to duck before another one flew at her.

  “How do you like that, you stupid little nothing?” Lila raged as she picked up another cupcake.

  “What in the hell are you doing?” Alec thundered as he grabbed the potential missile from Lila. “Have you lost your mind? Stop it.” He spun Lila to face him. “We’re done. It’s not Heather’s fault. It’s yours. You’re so damn insecure and cruel. You’re the reason I’m not with you. Look at what you’ve done.” He pointed to Heather. “Get out of here. You’re not welcome at this party.” When Lila stood her ground, Alex repeated his command, bu
t in a much lower tone that told her he wasn’t kidding. “Go.”

  “Alec, you can’t mean that. Look, let’s just calm down. We’ll just chalk this up to you needing to get your kink out. You know she’s not going to be good for you. She’s a no body.”

  “She’s the woman I care about. You, on the other hand, are just a woman I had the misfortune to date.”

  Dropping Lila’s arm, he walked over to Heather. “Are you okay?”

  Heather was stunned by what she’d just heard—stunned and thrilled. Alec really was a knight in shining armor and he cared about her, really and truly cared. Wanting…no needing . . . the last word so Lila would know she hadn’t gotten the last word, she replied, “I’m fine, Alec. Thank you.” She stood on tip-toe and kissed him softly on the mouth. Then she pulled back and glanced over at Lila with what she hoped was a victorious grin.

  Lila stomped her foot and screeched like a two year old before she spun on her heel and stomped away.

  Heather took a deep breath, trying to bring her emotions back in order, she was feeling so much and it was overwhelming her.

  “That went well.” Alec said as he watched Lila disappear into the crowd.

  A giggle escaped Heather. “Yes, as confrontations go, it could have been much worse. She could have been throwing bricks or something.”

  “I like your costume. You make a very sexy can-can girl.”

  Heather smiled. “Why, thank you sir, and you make quite the dashing, rogue.”

  “This is why this night is so much fun—.”

  Alec pulled her close but she tried to push away. “Careful, I’ll get you all messy.”

  “I hope you do.” He placed his mouth against hers and kissed her until she melted against him, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed back, until she was achy and wet and craving more.

  Alec ended the kiss and clasped her hand in his. “Come with me.”

  Without another word, he led her outside and down the balcony steps and away from the party-goers.

  The sound of the river reached her and she wondered where they were going. Soon, she had her answer once she caught sight of a beautiful little gazebo. The moonlight lit it to perfection and she shivered.

  “Are you cold?” He wrapped an arm around her.

  “N-no.” She looked at him. “Just embarrassed. And a mess.” Heather picked bits of cupcake from her clothes. She felt icing all over her but had no way of wiping it off but with her fingers.

  Alec grasped her nervous fingers and caught her gaze. “I want to apologize.”

  “For what?” She looked around at the romantic surroundings and taking in the heavy evening scents; night-blooming jasmine and the earthy scent of the river mingled into an intoxicating fragrance. One she would forever remember and associate with Alec. “But you don’t owe me an apology. I’m the one who should be saying I’m sorry. I was such an idiot the other day.” She knew she was babbling but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.

  “Shh, it’s okay, beautiful, everything is fine. I know Lila got to you. After what just happened, I’m sure she won’t bother you or us again.”

  Heather laughed. “Well, we won’t be BFF’s anytime soon.”

  Alec pulled her close and cupped her face with both of his hands, getting icing all over them, she was sure.

  “I was going to come to you tonight if I didn’t see you here.”

  His words filled her heart with joy. He really did care and she was lucky she hadn’t blown this one. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “I want to hold you and never let you go.”

  Heather rested her head against his shoulder and inhaled a deep breath, pulling his spicy scent into her soul. “Then don’t. There is nowhere else I want to be.”

  Alec pulled back and held her face with both his hands before he leaned in and placed his mouth against hers. “Mmm . . . You taste like sugar,” he murmured before gently parted her lips with his tongue and slowly let it tangle with hers in a searching yet teasing kiss.

  She felt her toes curl in her stilettos as he pulled her closer; the hard evidence of his arousal pressed at the juncture of her thighs. It took all she had in her not to wrap her legs around his waist and rub herself against him like a cat.

  His kiss deepened and she became more intoxicated by him. She loved his taste, the feel of him against her, and she burned for more contact. He pulled back and toyed with her, running his tongue along her throat and jawline, nipping and nibbling at her icing covered skin before claiming her mouth again.

  One of them moaned but she didn’t know who. Didn’t care who. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him closer, wanting to be inside his skin, to be a part of him just as he was already a part of her. Or was it she wanted him inside of her, as he had been before, stretching and filling her and driving her to the edge of Passion’s Cliff. Then sending her over the side.

  Alec placed teasing kisses once more from her mouth along her jawline then over to her ear. He playfully nipped the lobe before sucking it into his mouth. His warm breath caused goosebumps to pebble her skin. She tipped her head back and let him continue his sensual assault.

  Without warning, he lifted her up and placed her upon the stone railing. The hard surface was cool against her backside, direct opposite to the internal heat brought on by the arousal coursing through her body.

  Alec positioned himself between her legs and pulled her to the edge, pushing the dress she wore out of the way. He continued the rocking thrust movement as he consumed her with his mouth.

  Heather didn’t care that they were out in the open where anyone could come upon them. All that mattered was Alec was touching her as she longed for him to do.

  Without breaking their kiss, she worked her hands between them, pulling at the buttons of his shirt. She wanted to touch his skin, feel the velvety warmth she knew was waiting for her under the copious amount so fabric of his costume.

  The last button finally slipped through the buttonhole and she ran her hands up his chest, down his flat stomach to the waistband of his breeches.

  Alec groaned as her fingers brushed his erection then grasped of the throbbing length. His sexy, throaty voice went straight to her center. She felt damp heat build between her legs and arched to meet his sensual gyration against her center. She felt like they were a couple high school kids fooling around so blatantly. She couldn’t help but giggle at the irony.

  “I want you, darlin. So bad. I need to be inside you.” His voice was sandpapery rough and she couldn’t suppress the shiver that coursed through her at his words. She wanted him too, more than anything.

  “Make love to me, Alec. Now. Here” She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer. “I need you. Please, don’t make me wait.”

  “Oh, Heather, don’t tempt me.” He thrust against her swollen center. “I can feel how hot you are.” He palmed her breasts, gently squeezing them and rubbing her nipples again with his thumbs before devouring her again with is mouth, silencing whatever she was about to say.

  This kiss held more urgency. Teeth clicked against each other as they fought to get as deep as they could. Alec suckled her tongue into his mouth as he thrust his erection against her center once more. Tearing her mouth away, she whispered, “I can’t wait. Please. I don’t care if anyone sees us.”

  Heather reached between them and fumbled for the closure of his breeches and grasped his steely length in one hand, pulling it free. He watched as she slowly pulled on him. It was the most erotic thing she’d ever witnessed . . . him watching her pleasure him. A pearly drop of fluid beaded on the head and she resisted the urge bend down and taste him. She cupped his heavy sack and gently squeezed. He moaned at the sensation.

  “Please, Alec. Love me.” She tugged him close and wrapped her arms around his waist.

  Alec pulled her panties aside, easily ripping the thin material from her hips. He dragged his cock down her cleft, coating himself with her moisture, teasing her clit, before finally
thrusting into her welcoming sheath.

  She moaned aloud at the sensation of being so-suddenly filled by his long, thick shaft. He began moving, each drag of his cock rubbing against her clit and making her throb. He covered her mouth with his in an attempt to silence her cries. Dimly, she heard the sexy bass beat of the music drift over them, a perfect complement to the erotic moment they were sharing together.

  Heather grasped Alec’s backside and felt the flex of his muscles with each thrust. She gasped out loud when he palmed her ass, lifting her off the wall so he could increase the depth of his penetration. He wrapped his arms around her waist and thrust his hips against her. Her release was so close, just out of reach.

  “Come for me, baby. Let yourself fall. I’ll catch you, I promise.”

  His words went straight to her heart and unlocked the secret part of her she always held back. The release she’d been straining for crashed over her in a tidal wave of sensations. She was dimly aware that Alec held back so he could watch her come apart in his arms. The feral yet satisfied look on his face sent her crashing head long into another orgasm, this one almost painful in its intensity.

  Alec thrust against her one last time before he groaned with his release. He arched against her, his fingers squeezing her bottom almost painfully until at last he was spent and set her back on the stone railing.

  After the emotional and sensual storm passed, they remained wrapped together in each other’s arms. Heather was loath to let this man go.

  He broke the embrace and cupped her face with his hands. She stared into his eyes and realized how dear he was to her. She reached out and traced the lines of his face, learning the angles and curves. Heather leaned over and placed a soft kiss against his lips. “I’m so glad fate brought us back together again.” She kissed him softly.